LANSING, MI
– John Van Fossen has joined the Lansing office of Clark Hill PLC as Director of Governmental Affairs, firm CEO John Hern announced.

Van Fossen most recently served as Director of Public Affairs for the Van Andel Institute, a private cancer research institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Prior to joining the Van Andel Institute in 2004. Van Fossen served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Pete Hoekstra, (R-MI). As Chief of Staff, Van Fossen was responsible for advising the Congressman on all political and public policy matters, developing the office’s legislative agenda and strategy, and managing the day to day operations of four congressional offices in Michigan and Washington, D.C. During his tenure with Congressman Hoekstra, Van Fossen worked as the primary staff liaison for the Congressman to the House Budget Committee, House Education and Workforce Committee, House leadership offices, Republican Study Committee, the executive branch, local and national labor unions, education reform groups and city, county and state governments.

Van Fossen has also served for the past 3 years as a Vice President for a federal public policy and governmental advocacy firm where he served as a key advisor and advocate for several clients in Washington, DC.

Van Fossen has more than fifteen years of experience working in local, state and federal governments, as well as the non-profit sector, and he has developed an extensive background in organizational leadership, project management and governmental advocacy. Van Fossen began his career in local government focusing on city management and economic development where he was responsible for overseeing a wide variety of commercial and industrial development and redevelopment initiatives, including the construction of a 1.2 million square foot regional mall and the successful revitalization of several Brownfield sites.

Van Fossen received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Masters in Public Administration from Western Michigan University.

Clark Hill Cares is the pro-social community involvement effort of Clark Hill PLC, supported throughout the firm. Clark Hill, through its employees, has been an active participant in community efforts through organized volunteer programs, pro-bono legal services, and service to the nonprofit community. Our attorneys and other professionals also regularly participate in community associations and have active interests on nonprofit boards, foundations and other community organizations.